Press release from MTV Networks Australia
MTV, Optus and Blackberry are pleased to welcome internationally acclaimed actor Sam Neill to the judging panel for the Optus One80project fourth year of competition.
Emmy and Golden Globe nominated Neill, star of movie classics Jurassic Park, The Piano and currently Daybreakers, joins a panel of industry experts including Australian actor Xavier Samuel, who has just finished filming the third instalment of the Twilight series phenomenon Eclipse, his Road Train co-star and star of Beautiful Kate, Sophie Lowe, US based MTV Films heavyweight and Executive Vice President of New Media, David Gale and Chris McGlinn, Director of Marketing for Amalgamated Holdings Limited who brings with him over 25 years of cinema experience.
The Optus One80project is a joint initiative between Optus and MTV Networks Australia, in association with BlackBerry® and Event Cinemas.
“I’m pleased to be involved as the judge for the 2010 Optus One80project as I think it’s a great initiative for up and coming film makers. I encourage everyone to give it a go and I’m really looking forward to seeing some interesting new work,” Neill says.
"The Optus One80project provides a chance for Australian TV makers to break into the industry with the unique opportunity to reach mobile, Internet and TV audiences. With entries closing this week, I encourage anyone interested in becoming part of this year’s program to get in quick! Our top ten will then be available to view on your Optus compatible 3G mobile and the website – I can’t wait to see what this year’s talented entrants have to offer,” said Michael Smith, Managing Director, Optus Consumer.
The Optus One80project is an opportunity for local aspiring TV makers to turn their good idea into a big shot at the small screen. A 180-second pilot with an accompanying treatment can be uploaded onto the OPTUS One80project website, www.one80project.com.au, until 5pm (Sydney Local Time), Friday 12 February 2010. All entries must be suitable for viewing on Optus smartphones and 3G1 mobile phones, internet and TV.
Since his New Zealand screen debut in Roger Donaldson’s Sleeping Dogs in 1978, Sam Neill has appeared in over 80 film and television productions. Neill is internationally recognized for his theatrical contributions with The British Academy of Film and Television naming him Best Actor on British Television and being the recipient of an Order of the British Empire for Services to Acting.
With multiple Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, Neill’s film credits include roles in the award winning film The Piano, blockbuster Jurassic Park and Working Title’s Wimbledon to name a few. He is currently starring in the vampire thriller Daybreakers, in cinemas now, alongside Ethan Hawke, William Dafoe and fellow Aussies Claudia Karvan, Vince Colosimo and Isabel Lucas.
Tune-in to MTV on channel 124, Sunday 28 February at 9PM Sydney Local Time to watch Dungoona, the winning drama from last year’s OPTUS One80project, or Optus mobile and internet customers can view it now via Optus ZOO’s online portal or via Optus ZOO2 on their compatible 3G mobile handset1.
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